Controllable light source

ABSTRACT

A controllable light source is provided that includes a load control circuit and an integrated lighting load. The controllable light source is configured to receive wirelessly communicated commands transmitted by a remote control device associated with the controllable light source, such as a rotary remote control device. The controllable light source may include an actuator for associating the controllable light source with the remote control device, such that the load control circuit is operable to adjust the intensity of the lighting load in response to wireless signals received from the remote control device. The controllable light source may support the actuator such that the actuator may be actuated when the controllable light source is installed in a fixture.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional ApplicationSer. No. 13/829,834, filed Mar. 14, 2013 which claims the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Application No. 61/718,818, filed Oct. 26, 2012, therespective disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference intheir entireties.

BACKGROUND

In prior art load control systems, standard mechanical toggle switchesare often replaced by more advanced load control devices (such as dimmerswitches) that control the amount of power delivered from an AC powersource to an electrical load. This procedure requires that the oldmechanical toggle switch be un-wired and removed from the load controlsystem and the new load control device to be connected to the electricalwiring. Typically, such a procedure must be performed by an electricalcontractor or other skilled installer. The average consumer may not feelcomfortable to complete the installation of the load control device.Accordingly, there is a need for a load control system that may beinstalled in an existing installation having a mechanical toggle switchwithout requiring any electrical work.

SUMMARY

As described herein, a controllable light source may include anintegrated lighting load, a wireless communication circuit configured toreceive control signals transmitted to the controllable light source,and a load control circuit configured to control an amount of powerdelivered to the lighting load in accordance with the control signals.For example, the controllable light source may adjust the intensity ofthe lighting load responsive to the control signals.

The controllable light source may be configured to be screwed into alight socket, such as a standard Edison socket. For example, thecontrollable light source may include a screw-in base and a housingsupported by the base. The housing may enclose the lighting load. Thehousing may include a reflective portion and a translucent portion.

The controllable light source may include an actuator configured tocause the controllable light source to associate with a remote controldevice configured to wirelessly communicate control signals to thecontrollable light source. The actuator may be operatively connected tothe housing.

The controllable light source may be configured to be installed in afixture that surrounds the housing. The housing may support the actuatorsuch that the actuator may be actuated when the controllable lightsource is installed in the fixture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts an example load control system.

FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of an example controllable lightsource.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an example rotary remote control deviceattached to a switch.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the rotary remote control devicedepicted in FIG. 3, detached from the switch.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the base portion of an example rotaryremote control device.

FIG. 6 is a simplified block diagram of an example rotary remote controldevice.

FIG. 7A depicts a first encoder control signal and a second encodercontrol signal when an example rotary remote control device is actuatedalong a first direction.

FIG. 7B depicts a first encoder control signal and a second encodercontrol signal when an example rotary remote control device is actuatedalong a second direction.

FIG. 8 depicts another example load control system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 depicts an example load control system 100. As shown, the loadcontrol system 100 is configured as a lighting control system thatincludes a controllable light source 110 and a battery-powered remotecontrol device 120, for example a rotary remote control device. Theremote control device 120 includes a wireless transmitter. The loadcontrol system 100 includes a standard, single pole single throw (SPST)maintained mechanical switch 104 (i.e., a “toggle switch” or a “lightswitch”) that may be in place prior to installation of the remotecontrol device 120 (e.g., pre-existing in the load control system 100).The switch 104 is coupled in series electrical connection between analternating current (AC) power source 102 and the controllable lightsource 110. The switch 104 includes a toggle actuator 106 that may beactuated to toggle, for example to turn on and/or turn off, thecontrollable light source 110. The controllable light source 110 iselectrically coupled to the AC power source 102 when the switch 104 isclosed (i.e., conductive), and is disconnected from the AC power source102 when the switch 104 is open (i.e., nonconductive).

The remote control device 120 is configured to be attached to the toggleactuator 106 of the switch 104 when the toggle actuator 106 is in the onposition (which is typically pointing upwards) and the switch 104 isclosed (i.e., conductive). As shown, the remote control device 120includes a base portion 125 configured to be mounted over the toggleactuator 106 of the switch 104. The base portion 125 may operate tomaintain the toggle actuator 106 stays in the on position, such that auser is not able to switch the toggle actuator 106 to the off position,which may disconnect the controllable light source 110 from the AC powersource 102.

The remote control device 120 may be operable to transmit wirelesssignals, for example radio frequency (RF) signals 108, to thecontrollable light source 110 for controlling the intensity of thecontrollable light source 110. The controllable light source 110 may beassociated with the remote control device 120 during a configurationprocedure of the load control system 100, such that the controllablelight source 110 is then responsive to the RF signals 108 transmitted bythe remote control device 120. An example of a configuration procedurefor associating a remote control device with a load control device isdescribed in greater detail in commonly-assigned U.S. Patent PublicationNo. 2008/0111491, published May 15, 2008, entitled “Radio-FrequencyLighting Control System,” the entire disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference.

The controllable light source 110 may include a lighting load, forexample the lighting load 214 shown in FIG. 2, such as an incandescentlamp, a halogen lamp, a compact fluorescent lamp, a light-emitting diode(LED) light engine, or other suitable light source. The controllablelight source 110 includes a housing 111 that defines an end portion 114and an intermediate portion 112. The housing 111 may be made of anysuitable material, for example glass. The lighting load may be integralwith and/or substantially enclosed by the housing 111. For example, thelighting load may be located inside of the intermediate portion 112 ofthe housing 111.

The controllable light source 110 may be configured such that lightemitted from the lighting load shines through at least a portion of thehousing 111. As shown, the intermediate portion 112 is configured to bereflective, such that the intermediate portion 112 functions as areflector portion of the housing 111. The intermediate portion 112 mayinclude one or more reflective surfaces. The end portion 114 isconfigured as a light emitting portion configured to shine light emittedby the lighting load out of the housing 111. The end portion 114 may betransparent or translucent. The end portion 114 of the housing 111 maydefine an end surface 113. The housing 111 may define any suitableshape, for example the illustrated bulb shape. As shown, the end portion114 defines a convex, domed shape, but may be configured to define anyother suitable shape, for example flat. The housing 111 is not limitedto the illustrated configuration of shining light emitted by thelighting load. For example, the housing 111 may be configured to shinelight emitted from the lighting load through the intermediate portion112 (e.g., at least a part of the intermediate portion 112) and/or theend portion 114 (e.g., at least a part of the end portion 114).

As shown, the controllable light source 110 includes an enclosure 115that is configured to house one or more electrical components of thecontrollable light source 110, such as an integral load control circuit(e.g., the load control circuit 212 shown in FIG. 2), for controllingthe intensity of the lighting load between a low end intensity (e.g.,approximately 1%) and a high-end intensity (e.g., approximately 100%).The controllable light source 110 may include a wireless communicationcircuit (e.g., wireless communication circuit 222 shown in FIG. 2)housed inside the enclosure 115, such that the controllable light source110 may be operable to receive the RF signals 108 transmitted by theremote control device 120 and control the intensity of the lighting loadin response to the received RF signals. As shown, the enclosure 115 isattached to the intermediate portion 112 of the housing 111 and mayfunction as an enclosure portion of the housing 111. Alternatively, theenclosure 115 may be integral with, for example monolithic with, thehousing 111, such that the enclosure 115 defines an enclosure portion ofthe housing 111.

The controllable light source 110 may be configured as a screw-in,controllable light source. As shown, the controllable light source 110includes a screw-in base 116 that is configured to be screwed into astandard Edison socket, such that the controllable light source may becoupled to the AC power source 102. The screw-in base 116 may beattached to the enclosure 115. The controllable light source 110 may beconfigured as a downlight (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1) that may beinstalled in a recessed light fixture. Alternatively, the controllablelight source 110 may be configured as an A type lamp or any other typeof screw-in lamp, for example. The controllable light source 110 is notlimited to the illustrated screw-in base 116, and may include anysuitable base, for example a bayonet-style base or other suitable baseproviding electrical connections. Examples of screw-in luminaires aredescribed in greater detail in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No.8,008,866, issued Aug. 30, 2011, entitled “Hybrid Light Source,” andU.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0286689, published Nov. 15,2012, entitled “Dimmable Screw-In Compact Fluorescent Lamp HavingIntegral Electronic Ballast Circuit,” the entire disclosures of whichare hereby incorporated by reference.

The controllable light source 110 may further comprise a transparent(e.g., translucent) actuator 118, such as a clear button, that may bepressed to associate the controllable light source with the remotecontrol device 120. The actuator 118 may protrude from the end portion114 of the housing 111, for example below the end surface 113, such thatthe actuator 118 may be pressed when the controllable light source 110is installed, for example in a recessed downlight fixture.Alternatively, the actuator 118 may be flush with the end surface 113 ofthe end portion 114 or may be recessed in the end surface 113 of the endportion 114 (e.g., such that the actuator 118 may be actuated by a tool,such as a screwdriver). When the controllable light source 110 isinstalled in a recessed downlight fixture, the intermediate portion 112(e.g., the reflector portion) of the housing 111 and the enclosure 115may be substantially enclosed within the downlight fixture, and at leasta portion of the end portion 114, for example the end surface 113, maynot be enclosed by the downlight fixture, such that actuator 118 may beactuated. The actuator 118 may alternatively be positioned along aperimeter of the end portion 114. Alternatively, the controllable lightsource 110 may include an actuator supported by the enclosure 115 thatmay be actuated when the end portion 114, for example the end surface113, is pressed towards the screw-in base 116. The end surface 113,and/or another surface of the controllable light source 110, mayalternatively include a touch sensitive surface, for example aresistive, capacitive, or other touch sensitive surface that may betouched to associate the controllable light source 110 with the remotecontrol device 120.

The actuator 118 may be configured to be rotated to adjust a selectablemaximum power rating of the controllable light source 110, such that thecontrollable light source 110 operates the lighting load at the maximumpower rating when the remote control device 120 controls the intensityof the controllable light source to the high-end intensity. The remotecontrol device 120 may then be operable to control the controllablelight source 110 to dim the intensity of the lighting load below thehigh-end intensity down to the low-end intensity.

The load control system 100 may also include one or more other devicesconfigured to wirelessly communicate with the controllable light source110. As shown, the load control system 100 includes a handheld,battery-powered, remote control device 130 for controlling thecontrollable light source 110. The remote control device 130 may includeone or more buttons, for example, an on button 132, an off button 134, araise button 135, a lower button 136, and a preset button 138, as shownin FIG. 1. The remote control device 130 may include a wirelesscommunication circuit (not shown) for transmitting digital messages(e.g., including commands to control the lighting load) to thecontrollable light source 110, for example via the RF signals 108,responsive to actuations of one or more of the buttons 132, 134, 135,136, and 138. Alternatively, the remote control device 130 may bemounted to a wall or supported by a pedestal, for example a pedestalconfigured to be mounted on a tabletop. Examples of handheldbattery-powered remote controls are described in greater detail incommonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 8,330,638, issued Dec. 11, 2012,entitled “Wireless Battery Powered Remote Control Having MultipleMounting Means,” and U.S. Pat. No. 7,573,208, issued Aug. 22, 1009,entitled “Method Of Programming A Lighting Preset From A Radio-FrequencyRemote Control,” the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporatedby reference.

The load control system 100 may also include one or more of a remoteoccupancy sensor or a remote vacancy sensor (not shown) for detectingoccupancy and/or vacancy conditions in a space surrounding the sensors.The occupancy or vacancy sensors may be configured to transmit digitalmessages to the controllable light source 110, for example via the RFsignals 108, in response to detecting occupancy or vacancy conditions.Examples of RF load control systems having occupancy and vacancy sensorsare described in greater detail in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No.7,940,167, issued May 10, 2011, entitled “Battery Powered OccupancySensor,” U.S. Pat. No. 8,009,042, issued Aug. 30, 2011, entitled “RadioFrequency Lighting Control System With Occupancy Sensing,” and U.S. Pat.No. 8,199,010, issued Jun. 12, 2012, entitled “Method And Apparatus ForConfiguring A Wireless Sensor,” the entire disclosures of which arehereby incorporated by reference.

The load control system 100 may include a remote daylight sensor (notshown) for measuring a total light intensity in the space around thedaylight sensor. The daylight sensor may be configured to transmitdigital messages, such as a measured light intensity, to thecontrollable light source 110, for example via the RF signals 108, suchthat the controllable light source 110 is operable to control theintensity of the lighting load in response to the measured lightintensity. Examples of RF load control systems having daylight sensorsare described in greater detail in commonly assigned U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/727,956, filed Mar. 19, 2010, entitled “WirelessBattery-Powered Daylight Sensor,” and U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/727,923, filed Mar. 19, 2010, entitled “Method Of Calibrating ADaylight Sensor,” the entire disclosures of which are herebyincorporated by reference.

The load control system 100 may include other types of input devices,for example, radiometers, cloudy-day sensors, temperature sensors,humidity sensors, pressure sensors, smoke detectors, carbon monoxidedetectors, air-quality sensors, security sensors, proximity sensors,fixture sensors, partition sensors, keypads, kinetic or solar-poweredremote controls, key fobs, cell phones, smart phones, tablets, personaldigital assistants, personal computers, laptops, time clocks,audio-visual controls, safety devices, power monitoring devices (such aspower meters, energy meters, utility submeters, utility rate meters),central control transmitters, residential, commercial, or industrialcontrollers, or any combination of these input devices.

During the configuration procedure of the load control system 100, thecontrollable light source 110 may be associated with a wireless controldevice, for example the remote control device 120, by actuating theactuator 118 on the controllable light source 110 and then actuating(e.g., pressing and holding) an actuator on the wireless remote controldevice (e.g., a rotating portion 322 of a rotary remote control device320 shown in FIG. 3) for a predetermined amount of time (e.g.,approximately 10 seconds).

Digital messages transmitted by the remote control device 120, forexample directed to the controllable light source 110, may include acommand and identifying information, such as a unique identifier (e.g.,a serial number) associated with the remote control device 120. Afterbeing associated with the remote control device 120, the controllablelight source 110 may be responsive to messages containing the uniqueidentifier of the remote control device 120. The controllable lightsource 110 may be associated with one or more other wireless controldevices of the load control system 100 (i.e., the remote control device130, the occupancy sensor, the vacancy sensor, and/or the daylightsensor), for example using similar association process.

After a remote control device, for example the remote control device 120or the remote control device 130, is associated with the controllablelight source 110, the remote control device may be used to associate thecontrollable light source 110 with the occupancy sensor, the vacancysensor, and/or the daylight sensor, without actuating the actuator 118of the controllable light source 110, for example as described ingreater detail in commonly-assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/598,529, filed Aug. 29, 2012, entitled “Two Part Load Control SystemMountable To A Single Electrical Wallbox,” the entire disclosure ofwhich is hereby incorporated by reference.

When the remote control device 120 is mounted over the toggle actuatorof a switch (e.g., the toggle actuator 106), the base portion 125 mayfunction to secure the toggle actuator 106 from being toggled. Forexample, the base portion 125 may be configured to maintain the toggleactuator 106 in an on position, such that a user of the remote controldevice 120 is not able to mistakenly switch the toggle actuator 106 tothe off position, which may disconnect the controllable light source 110from the AC power source 102, such that controllable light source 110may not be controlled by one or more remote control devices of the loadcontrol system 100 (e.g., the remote control devices 120 and/or 130),which may in turn cause user confusion.

As shown, the remote control device 120 is battery-powered, not wired inseries electrical connection between the AC power source 102 and thecontrollable light source 110 (e.g., does not replace the mechanicalswitch 104), such that the controllable light source 110 receives a fullAC voltage waveform from the AC power source 102 (i.e., the controllablelight source 110 does not receive a phase-control voltage that may becreated by a standard dimmer switch). Because the controllable lightsource 110 receives the full AC voltage waveform, multiple controllablelight sources (e.g., controllable light sources 110) may be coupled inparallel on a single electrical circuit (e.g., coupled to the mechanicalswitch 104). The multiple controllable light sources may include lightsources of different types (e.g., incandescent lamps, fluorescent lamps,and/or LED light sources). The remote control device 120 may beconfigured to control one or more of the multiple controllable lightsources, for example substantially in unison. In addition, if there aremultiple controllable light sources coupled in parallel on a singlecircuit, each controllable light source may be zoned, for example toprovide individual control of each controllable light source. Forexample, a first controllable light 110 source may be controlled by theremote control device 120, while a second controllable light source 110may be controlled by the remote control device 130). In prior artsystems, a mechanical switch (such as the switch 104, for example)typically controls such multiple light sources in unison (e.g., turnsthem on and/or off together).

The controllable light source 110 and the remote control device 120 maybe part of a larger RF load control system than that shown in FIG. 1.Examples of RF load control systems are described in commonly-assignedU.S. Pat. No. 5,905,442, issued on May 18, 1999, entitled “Method AndApparatus For Controlling And Determining The Status Of ElectricalDevices From Remote Locations,” and U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/033,223, filed Feb. 19, 2008, entitled “Communication Protocol For ARadio Frequency Load Control System,” the entire disclosures of whichare both hereby incorporated by reference.

While the load control system 100 was described with reference to thesingle-pole system shown in FIG. 1, one or both of the controllablelight source 110 and the remote control device 120 may be implemented ina “three-way” lighting system having two single-pole double-throw (SPDT)mechanical switches (i.e., a “three-way” switch) for controlling asingle electrical load. For example, the system could comprise tworemote control devices 120, with one remote control device 120 connectedto the toggle actuator of each SPDT switch. The toggle actuators of eachSPDT switch would be positioned, such that the SPDT switches form acomplete circuit between the AC source and the electrical load beforethe remote control devices 120 are installed on the toggle actuators.

The load control system 100 shown in FIG. 1 may provide a simpleretrofit solution for an existing switched control system. The loadcontrol system 100 may provide energy savings and/or advanced controlfeatures, for example without requiring any electrical re-wiring and/orwithout requiring the replacement of any existing mechanical switches.To install and use the load control system 100 of FIG. 1, a consumer mayreplace an existing lamp with the controllable light source 110, switchthe toggle actuator 106 of the mechanical switch 104 to the on position,install (e.g., mount) the remote control device 120 onto the toggleactuator 106, and associate the remote control device 120 and thecontrollable light source 110 with each other, for example as describedabove.

FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of an example controllable lightsource 210 that may be deployed as, for example, the controllable lightsource 110 of the load control system 100 shown in FIG. 1. As shown, thecontrollable light source 210 includes a hot terminal H and a neutralterminal N that are configured to be electrically coupled to an AC powersource, such as the AC power source 102, for example via the screw-inbase 116.

The controllable light source 210 includes a lighting load 214 and aload control circuit 212 for controlling the intensity of the lightingload 214. The controllable light source 210 includes an electromagneticinterference (EMI) filter 216 that may operate to mitigate (e.g.,prevent) noise generated by the load control circuit 212 from beingconducted on the AC mains wiring. The controllable light source 210 mayinclude a rectifier circuit 218 for generating a direct-current (DC) busvoltage V_(BUS) across a bus capacitor C_(BUS). As shown, the loadcontrol circuit 212 receives the bus voltage V_(BUS) and regulates thepower delivered to the lighting load 214 in order to control theintensity of the lighting load 214. For example, the load controlcircuit 212 for controlling the lighting load 214 may include a dimmercircuit for an incandescent lamp, an electronic ballast circuit for acompact fluorescent lamp (CFL), a light-emitting diode (LED) driver foran LED light engine, or the like.

The controllable light source 210 includes a control circuit 220operatively coupled to the load control circuit 212. The control circuit220 may operate to control the intensity of the lighting load 214. Thecontrol circuit 220 may include one or more of a processor (e.g., amicroprocessor), a microcontroller, a programmable logic device (PLD), afield programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integratedcircuit (ASIC), or any suitable processing device.

The controllable light source 210 includes a wireless communicationcircuit 222, for example an RF receiver coupled to an antenna forreceiving the RF signals 108 from wireless remote control devices, suchas the remote control device 120, the remote control device 130, theoccupancy sensor, and the daylight sensor of the load control system 100shown in FIG. 1. Alternatively, the wireless communication circuit 222may include an RF transmitter for transmitting RF signals, an RFtransceiver for transmitting and receiving RF signals, or an infrared(IR) receiver for receiving IR signals.

The controllable light source 210 includes a memory 224 communicativelycoupled to the control circuit 220. The control circuit 220 may beconfigured to use the memory 224 for the storage and/or retrieval of,for example, unique identifiers (e.g., serial numbers) of the wirelessremote control devices to which the controllable light source 210 isresponsive. The memory 224 may be implemented as an external integratedcircuit (IC) or as an internal circuit of the control circuit 220.

The controllable light source 210 includes an actuator 226 that isoperatively coupled to the control circuit 220. The actuator 226 may beactuated to associate the controllable light source 210 with one or moreof the wireless remote control devices. For example, the actuator 226may be mechanically coupled to the actuator 118 shown in FIG. 1.

The controllable light source 210 includes a power supply 228 coupled tothe bus voltage V_(BUS) for generating a DC supply voltage V_(CC). Thesupply voltage V_(CC) may be used to power one or more of the controlcircuit 220, the wireless communication circuit 222, the memory 224, andother low-voltage circuitry of the controllable light source 210.

The controllable light source 210 may include an integral occupancysensing circuit (not shown) configured to detect occupancy and/orvacancy conditions in a space surrounding the controllable light source210, for example in a similar manner as the remote occupancy sensordescribed above with reference to FIG. 1. The control circuit 220 may beconfigured to control the lighting load 214 in response to occupancy andvacancy conditions detected by the occupancy sensing circuit.

The controllable light source 210 may include an integral daylight (orambient light) sensing circuit (not shown) configured to measure a lightintensity (e.g., a total light intensity) in a space around thecontrollable light source 210, for example in a similar manner as theremote daylight sensor described above with reference to FIG. 1. Thecontrol circuit 220 may be configured to control the lighting load 214in response to light intensity measured by the daylight sensing circuit.

The controllable light source 210 may include an integral powermeasurement circuit (not shown) configured to measure a total amount ofpower consumed by the lighting load 214 and/or the controllable lightsource 210. The control circuit 220 may be configured to control thelighting load 214 in response to power consumption measured by the powermeasurement circuit and/or to cause the wireless communication circuit222 to transmit one or more RF signals that may include informationpertaining to a measured power consumption. A load control devicecapable of power measurement is described in greater detail incommonly-assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/793,308, filedMar. 11, 2013, entitled “Power Measurement in a Two-Wire Load ControlDevice,” the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are perspective views of an example rotary remote controldevice 320 that may deployed as, for example, the remote control device120 of the load control system 100 shown in FIG. 1. As shown, the rotaryremote control device 320 is configured to be mounted over the toggleactuator of a mechanical switch, for example the toggle actuator 106 ofthe switch 104 as shown in FIG. 1, over which a standard,traditional-style faceplate 329 is installed.

As shown, the rotary remote control device 320 includes an intensityadjustment actuator, configured as a rotating portion 322 that may bemoved for example rotated, with respect to a base portion 325. One ormore components of the rotary remote control device 320, for example therotating portion 322 and the base portion 325, may be made of anysuitable material, such as plastic. The rotating portion 322 may besupported by the base portion 325 so as to be rotatable in opposeddirections about the base portion 325, for example in the clockwise orcounter-clockwise directions.

The illustrated rotating portion 322 includes a body that defines adisc-shaped front portion 321 and an annular side portion 324 thatextends around an entirety of an outer perimeter of the front portion321. The front portion 321 defines a front surface 323. The frontportion 321 of the rotating portion 322 may be made of a translucentmaterial, so as to allow a night light that may be located in a toggleactuator to which the rotary remote control device 320 is attached toshine through the front portion 321. Alternatively, the rotary remotecontrol device 320 may include an internal night light circuit, forexample, as described in greater detail in commonly-assigned U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2012/0286940, published Nov. 15, 2012,entitled “Control Device Having a Night Light,” the entire disclosure ofwhich is hereby incorporated by reference. The rotary remote controldevice 320 may be configured to be mounted on a mechanical switch havinga designer-style faceplate or other faceplate style.

The base portion 325 may be configured to be attached to the faceplate329. For example, the base portion may define a rear surface 327configured to be attached to the faceplate 329. With the rotatingportion 322 rotatably attached to the base portion 325, the rear surface327 of the base portion 325 may protrude inwardly beyond a lower edge ofthe side portion 324. The base portion 325 defines an opening 326 thatextends into the rear surface 327. The opening 326 is dimensioned toreceive at least a portion of the toggle actuator of a switch, forexample the toggle actuator 106 of the switch 104 as shown in FIG. 1.

The base portion 325 may be configured to be fixedly (e.g., permanently)attached to the toggle actuator or may be configured to be removablyattached to the toggle actuator, so to allow access to the toggleactuator in order to disconnect power from an electrical load controlledby the mechanical switch, for example the controllable light source 110of the load control system 100 shown in FIG. 1. As shown, the baseportion 325 defines a plurality of crush ribs 328 that extend into theopening 326, the crush ribs 328 configured to engage one or moresurfaces of a toggle actuator over which the rotary remote controldevice 320 is mounted. The base portion 325 may be alternativelyconfigured to attach to the toggle actuator of a switch. For example,the base portion 325 may be configured to attach to the toggle actuatorvia one or more mechanical fasteners, for example, a set screw, acamming clamp, or the like.

The rotary remote control device 320 may be configured to transmitwireless signals, for example RF signals, to a load control device, forexample the controllable light source 110 shown in FIG. 1 or thecontrollable light source 210 shown in FIG. 2, for controlling theintensity of a respective lighting load, for example the lighting load214. The rotary remote control device 320 may transmit one or morewireless signals, for example, responsive to actuations of the rotatingportion 322, such as a rotational force applied to the side portion 324of the rotating portion 322 along the clockwise or counter-clockwisedirections. A controllable light source associated with the rotaryremote control device 320, for example the controllable light source110, may adjust the intensity of the lighting load in response torotation of the rotating portion 322. The controllable light source mayturn the lighting load on and off responsive to forces applied to (e.g.,presses of) the front surface 323 of the front portion 321 that causefront portion 321 to be biased toward the base portion 325. A speed atwhich the controllable light source adjusts the intensity of thelighting load in response to the rotation of the rotating portion 322may be a function of the rotational speed at which the rotating portion322 is rotated. An example of a load control device responsive to arotary actuator is described in greater detail in commonly-assigned U.S.Pat. No. 8,212,486, issued Jul. 3, 2012, entitled “Smart Load ControlDevice Having A Rotary Actuator,” the entire disclosure of which ishereby incorporated by reference.

The rotary remote control device 320 may be configured to cause thecontrollable light source to “jog” the intensity of the lighting load,for example to increase or decrease intensity of the lighting load, by apredetermined amount in response to a slight rotation of the rotatingportion 322 in either direction, for example a rotation of approximately45°. The rotary remote control device 320 may be configured to cause thecontrollable light source to continuously adjust the intensity of thelighting load in response to the rate and/or degree of rotation of therotating portion 322 in either direction, for example rotations greaterrotation than 45°. The rotating portion 322 may be configured to returnto an idle position after the rotation of the rotating portion 322. Thefront surface 323 of the front portion 321 of the rotating portion 322could be marked with text and/or an image that remains upright when therotating portion 322 is in the idle position. Alternatively, the rotaryremote control device 320 may be configured such that the side portion324 is rotatable and the front portion 321 is fixed relative to the baseportion 325, such that text and/or images on the front surface 323 ofthe front portion 321 remain upright.

The base portion 325 may be configured to be attached (e.g., removablyattached) to the faceplate 329, for example, using double sided tapeaffixed to the rear surface 327. Alternatively, the base portion 325 maydefine one or more snap fit catches (not shown) that extend inward fromthe base portion 325 relative to the rear surface 327 and are configuredto engage within the actuator opening of a faceplate. Alternativelystill, the base portion 325 may define on more apertures that extendinto the rear surface 327 and a complementary faceplate (not shown) maydefine one or more snap fit catches configured to be received in, andengage within, the apertures in the base portion 325. Alternativelystill, the base portion 325 may be configured to be magneticallyattached to the faceplate.

Alternatively, the base portion 325 of the rotary remote control device320 may be integral with a corresponding faceplate, for example the baseportion 325 and the faceplate may be monolithic. Such a rotary remotecontrol device 320 may be mounted over the toggle actuator of a switchby first removing a traditional style faceplate from the switch andreplacing the traditional faceplate with the faceplate having anintegrated rotary remote control device 320. Such a rotary remotecontrol device 320 may include a solar cell affixed to the integralfaceplate, the solar cell configured to charge a battery of the rotaryremote control device 320 and/or to power a controller and/or an RFtransmitter of the rotary remote control device 320.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the base portion 425 of an examplerotary remote control device. The base portion 425 may be deployed as,for example, the base portion 325 of the rotary remote control device320 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The base portion 425 defines an opening 426that is dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the toggle actuator406 of a switch, for example the switch 104 as shown in FIG. 1. The baseportion 425 includes a friction spring 440 configured to attach the baseportion 425 to a toggle actuator 406, for example the toggle actuator106 of the switch 104 shown in FIG. 1. The illustrated friction spring440 includes a plurality of fingers 442 configured to capture at least aportion of the toggle actuator 406. As shown, the fingers 442 of thefriction spring 440 flank opposed sides of the opening 426.

FIG. 6 is a simplified block diagram of an example rotary remote controldevice 520 that may be implemented as, for example, the remote controldevice 120 shown in FIG. 1 and/or the rotary remote control device 320shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. As shown, the rotary remote control device 520includes a control circuit 530. The control circuit 530 may include oneor more of a processor (e.g., a microprocessor), a microcontroller, aprogrammable logic device (PLD), a field programmable gate array (FPGA),an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any suitableprocessing device.

The rotary remote control device 520 includes a rotary encoder circuit532 that may be operatively coupled to a rotary knob, for example therotating portion 322 of the rotary remote control device 320. Thecontrol circuit 530 is communicatively coupled to the rotary encodercircuit 532. The rotary remote control device 520 includes a wirelesscommunication circuit 534, for example an RF transmitter coupled to anantenna, for transmitting wireless signals, such as the RF signals 108,in response to actuations of the rotary knob coupled to the rotaryencoder circuit 532 (e.g., the rotating portion 322 of the rotary remotecontrol device 320). The control circuit 530 may cause the wirelesscommunication circuit 534 to transmit one or more wireless signals to anassociated load control device, for example the controllable lightsource 110 shown in FIG. 1 or the controllable light source 210 shown inFIG. 2, for example responsive to actuations of the rotary knob coupledto the rotary encoder circuit 532. Alternatively, the wirelesscommunication circuit 534 may include an RF receiver for receiving RFsignals, an RF transceiver for transmitting and receiving RF signals, oran infrared (IR) receiver for receiving IR signals.

The rotary remote control device 520 includes a memory 536communicatively coupled to the control circuit 530. The control circuit530 may be configured to use the memory 536 for the storage and/orretrieval of, for example, a unique identifier (e.g., a serial number)of the rotary remote control device 520 that may be included in thetransmitted RF signals. The memory 536 may be implemented as an externalintegrated circuit (IC) or as an internal circuit of the control circuit530.

The rotary remote control device 520 includes a battery 538 forproducing a battery voltage V_(BATT) that may be used to power one ormore of the control circuit 530, the rotary encoder circuit 532, thewireless communication circuit 534, the memory 536, and otherlow-voltage circuitry of the rotary remote control device 520. Therotary remote control device 520 may include a solar cell (not shown)configured to charge the battery 538 and/or another energy storagedevice, such as a capacitor. The solar cell may be located on a surfaceof the rotary remote control device 520, for example on the frontsurface 323 of the front portion 321 of the rotating portion 322 of therotary remote control device 320 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

The rotary remote control device 520 may include one or more visualindicators, for example one or more LEDs 540, that are configured toprovide feedback to a user of the rotary remote control device 520. Asshown, the LEDs 540 are operatively coupled to the control circuit 530.For example, the control circuit 530 may control the LEDs 540 to providefeedback indicating a status of the controllable light source 110, forexample if the controllable light source 110 is on, off, or a presentintensity of the controllable light source 110. The control circuit 530may be configured to illuminate the LEDs 540 in order to provide anindication that the battery 538 is low on energy, to provide feedbackduring programming or association of the rotary remote control device520, and/or to provide a night light.

In response to one or more actuations of the rotary knob coupled to therotary encoder circuit 532, for example the rotating portion 322 of therotary remote control device 320, the rotary encoder circuit 532 maygenerate three control signals that may be provided to the controlcircuit 530. For example, the rotary encoder circuit 532 may generate atoggle control signal V_(TOG) that may be representative of instanceswhen the front surface 323 of the front portion 321 of the rotatingportion 322 is pushed towards the base portion 325, so as to toggle acontrolled electrical load on and/or off. The rotary encoder circuit 532may also generate a first encoder control signal V_(E1) and a secondencoder control signal V_(E2). The first and second encoder controlsignals V_(E1), V_(E2) may, in combination, be representative of anangular velocity ω at which the rotating portion 322 is rotated and anangular direction (e.g., clockwise or counter-clockwise) in which therotating portion 322 is rotated.

The control circuit 530 may, responsive to receiving one or more ofV_(TOG), V_(E1), or V_(E2), cause the wireless communication circuit 534to transmit one or more signals, for example RF signals 108, to acontrollable light source associated with the rotary remote controldevice 520, for example the lighting load of the controllable lightsource 110 shown in FIG. 1. The controllable light source 110,responsive to receiving the RF signals 108, may turn the lighting loadon or off and/or may adjust the intensity of the lighting load, forexample via a load control circuit such as the load control circuit 212.

FIG. 7A is a simplified diagram showing example waveforms of the firstencoder control signal V_(E1) and the second encoder control signalV_(E2) when the rotating portion 322 is being rotated in the clockwisedirection. The first encoder control signal V_(E1) lags the secondencoder control signal V_(E2) by 90° when the rotating portion 322 isrotated clockwise. FIG. 7B is a simplified diagram showing examplewaveforms of the first encoder control signal V_(E1) and the secondencoder control signal V_(E2) when the rotating portion 322 is beingrotated in the counter-clockwise direction. The second encoder controlsignal V_(E2) lags the first encoder control signal V_(E1) by 90° whenthe rotating portion 322 is rotated counter-clockwise.

The control circuit 530 may be configured to determine whether thesecond encoder control signal V_(E2) is low (i.e., at approximatelycircuit common) or high (i.e., at approximately the battery voltageV_(BATT)) at the times of the falling edges of the first encoder controlsignal V_(E1) (i.e., when the first encoder control signal V_(E1)transitions from high to low), in order to determine whether therotating portion 322 is being rotated clockwise or counter-clockwise,respectively.

FIG. 8 depicts another example load control system 600. As shown, theload control system 600 is configured as a lighting control system thatincludes a lamp 610 and a battery-powered rotary remote control device620. The load control system 600 includes a plug-in load control device630 (e.g., a “wall wart” plug-in device) configured to be plugged into astandard electrical receptacle 632 that is electrically connected to anAC power source 602. The plug-in load control device 630 may include oneor more electrical outlets, such as an electrical outlet 633 located ona side of the plug-in load control device 630.

The lamp 610 includes a lighting load 612 (e.g., an incandescent lamp, ahalogen lamp, a compact fluorescent lamp, an LED lamp, or other screw-inlamp) and an electrical plug 614 that is configured to be plugged intoan electrical outlet. The plug 614 is plugged into the electrical outlet633 of the plug-in load control device 630, such that the plug-in loadcontrol device 630 may control the amount of power delivered to, andthus the intensity of, the lighting load 612 of the lamp 610.

The lamp 610 may include a toggle actuator 616 operatively coupled to aninternal mechanical switch 618 of the lamp 610 that is configured toturn the lighting load 612 on and off. The toggle actuator 616 may be apush-pull-type actuator that may be pushed and pulled to turn thelighting load 612 on and off, a push-push-type actuator that may bepushed to alternately turn the lighting load on and off, or arotary-type actuator that may be rotated in opposed directions to turnthe lighting load on and off. The lamp 610 is not limited to theillustrated table lamp configuration. Alternatively, the lamp 610 may beconfigured as a floor lamp, a wall mounted lamp, or any other lamphaving a toggle actuator, such as the toggle actuator 616.

As shown, the rotary remote control device 620 is configured to mountover the toggle actuator 616 of the lamp 610 when the toggle actuator isin the on position and the switch 618 is closed (i.e., conductive). Therotary remote control device 620 may be configured to transmit wirelesssignals, for example RF signals 608, to the plug-in load control device630 for controlling the amount of power delivered to the lamp 610, andthus the intensity of the lighting load 612. The plug-in load controldevice 630 includes an actuator 634 that may be actuated to associatethe plug-in load control device 630 with the rotary remote controldevice 620 during a configuration procedure of the load control system600, such that the plug-in load control device 630 may then beresponsive to the RF signals 608 transmitted by the rotary remotecontrol device 620.

As shown, the rotary remote control device 620 includes a rotatingportion 622 and a base portion 625. One or more components of the rotaryremote control device 620, for example the rotating portion 622 and thebase portion 625, may be made of any suitable material, such as plastic.The rotating portion 622 may be supported by the base portion 625 so asto be rotatable in opposed directions about the base portion 625, forexample in the clockwise or counter-clockwise directions. The baseportion 625 may be configured to be fixedly attached relative to thetoggle actuator 616 of the lamp 610 when the rotary remote controldevice 620 is mounted over the toggle actuator 616, such that rotationof the rotating portion 622 does not actuate the toggle actuator 616.

When the rotary remote control device 620 is mounted over the toggleactuator of a switch (e.g., the toggle actuator 616), the base portion625 may function to secure the toggle actuator 616 from being toggled.For example, the base portion 625 may be configured to maintain thetoggle actuator 616 in an on position, such that a user of the rotaryremote control device 620 is not able to mistakenly switch the toggleactuator 616 to the off position, which may disconnect the lighting load612 from the AC power source 602, such that the plug-in load controldevice 630 is not able to control the lighting load 612.

The rotary remote control device 620 includes electrical components (notshown) that may be housed inside the rotary remote control device 620.The electrical components of the rotary remote control device 620 may beconfigured similarly to those of the rotary remote control device 520shown in FIG. 6. For example, components of the rotary remote controldevice 620 may include a control circuit, a rotary encoder circuit, awireless communication circuit, a memory, and a battery. The rotaryremote control device 620 may transmit one or more RF signals 608 to theplug-in load control device 630 for controlling the intensity of thelighting load 612 responsive to actuations of the rotating portion 622.

The plug-in load control device 630, responsive to receiving the RFsignals 608, may turn the lighting load 612 on or off and/or may adjustthe intensity of the lighting load 612, for example via a load controlcircuit. For example, the plug-in load control device 630 may turn thelighting load 612 on and off responsive to forces applied to (e.g.,presses of) the rotating portion 622 of the rotary remote control device620 that cause rotating portion 622 to be biased toward the base portion625. The plug-in load control device 630 may adjust the intensity of thelighting load 612 responsive to one or more rotational forces applied tothe rotating portion 622, for example in the clockwise and/orcounter-clockwise directions. The plug-in load control device 630 mayadjust the intensity of the lighting load 612 in accordance with therotational speed at which the rotating portion 622 is rotated.

It should be appreciated that the load control system 600 need notinclude the plug-in load control device 630 for controlling the lightingload 612. For example, the load control system 600 may alternativelyinclude a controllable light source that is associated with the rotaryremote control device 620, for example the controllable light source 110shown in FIG. 1, that is electrically connected to (e.g., screwed intothe socket of) the lamp 610, such that actuations of the rotatingportion 622 of the rotary remote control device 620 may adjust theintensity of the lighting load of the controllable light source and/orcause the lighting load of the controllable light source to turn onand/or off. It should further be appreciated that the load controlsystem 100 shown in FIG. 1 may alternatively include a plug-in loadcontrol device (e.g., the plug-in load control device 630 shown in FIG.8) that is configured to be controlled by the remote control device 120.

It should further still be appreciated that the load control systems 100and/or 600 may include other types of load control devices and/orelectrical loads that are configured to be controlled by one or moreremote control devices (e.g., one or more remote control devices 120,320, 520, and/or 620). For example, the load control systems 100 and/or600 may include one or more of: a dimming ballast for driving agas-discharge lamp; a light-emitting diode (LED) driver for driving anLED light source; a dimming circuit for controlling the intensity of alighting load; a screw-in luminaire including a dimmer circuit and anincandescent or halogen lamp; a screw-in luminaire including a ballastand a compact fluorescent lamp; a screw-in luminaire including an LEDdriver and an LED light source; an electronic switch, controllablecircuit breaker, or other switching device for turning an appliance onand off; a plug-in load control device, controllable electricalreceptacle, or controllable power strip for controlling one or moreplug-in loads; a motor control unit for controlling a motor load, suchas a ceiling fan or an exhaust fan; a drive unit for controlling amotorized window treatment or a projection screen; one or more motorizedinterior and/or exterior shutters; a thermostat for a heating and/orcooling system; a temperature control device for controlling a setpointtemperature of a heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC)system; an air conditioner; a compressor; an electric baseboard heatercontroller; a controllable damper; a variable air volume controller; afresh air intake controller; a ventilation controller; a hydraulicvalves for use radiators and radiant heating system; a humidity controlunit; a humidifier; a dehumidifier; a water heater; a boiler controller;a pool pump; a refrigerator; a freezer; a television and/or computermonitor; a video camera; an audio system or amplifier; an elevator; apower supply; a generator; an electric charger, such as an electricvehicle charger; an alternative energy controller; and the like.

It should further still be appreciated that while remote control devicesconfigured to transmit wireless control signals to associated electricalload control devices, for example controllable light sources such as thecontrollable light source 110 or the plug-in load control device 630,are described herein with reference to the rotary remote control devices320, 520, and 620, such remote control devices may be alternativelyconfigured with other suitable control interfaces (e.g., intensityadjustment actuators), for example a slider or the like. Such a remotecontrol device may include, for example, a base portion configured tomount over the toggle actuator of a switch, a slider operably coupled tothe base portion, a wireless communication circuit, and a controlcircuit communicatively coupled to the slider and to the wirelesscommunication circuit. The slider may be configured to move, for examplelinearly, with respect to the base portion. For example, the slider maybe slidable, for example linearly, relative to the base portion. Thebase portion may thus be configured to slidably support the slider. Thecontrol circuit may be configured to translate a force applied to theintensity adjustment actuator, for example a force applied to theslider, into a signal for controlling the load control device. Thecontrol circuit may be configured to cause the wireless communicationcircuit to transmit the signal.

1. A light source that is configured to be electrically connected to apower source and controlled via wireless control signals, the lightsource comprising: a base configured to electrically connect the lightsource to the power source; a housing that includes a translucent endportion and is spaced from the base, and that includes an intermediateportion that extends between the end portion and the base; a lightingload that is located inside the housing, the lighting load configured toshine light through the end portion of the housing; an actuator that ismanually operable at the end portion of the housing when the lightsource is installed in a fixture; a wireless communication circuit thatis configured to receive wireless control signals; a load controlcircuit that is configured to control an amount of power delivered tothe lighting load to adjust an intensity of the lighting load between ahigh-end intensity and a low-end intensity; and a processor that isconfigured to: responsive to manual operation of the actuator, associatethe light source with an external control device by causing anidentifier of the external control device to be stored; and based on anassociation of the light source with the external control device, beresponsive to wireless control signals having the identifier that arereceived via the wireless communication circuit.
 2. The light source ofclaim 1, wherein the actuator comprises a translucent button located atthe end portion of the housing.
 3. The light source of claim 2, whereinthe actuator protrudes through the end portion of the housing.
 4. Thelight source of claim 3, wherein the processor is further configured toadjust the high-end intensity of the lighting load responsive torotation of the actuator.
 5. The light source of claim 2, wherein theactuator is flush with the end portion of the housing.
 6. The lightsource of claim 2, wherein the actuator is recessed in the end portionof the housing.
 7. The light source of claim 2, wherein the light sourceis configured such that the actuator is operable when the light sourceis installed in a fixture that surrounds the housing.
 8. The lightsource of claim 1, wherein the end portion of the housing defines an endsurface, and wherein the actuator comprises a capacitive touch surfacethat is supported by the end surface.
 9. The light source of claim 1,wherein the actuator is supported by the housing and is configured to beactuated when the end portion of the housing is biased toward the base.10. The light source of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a screw-inbase that is configured to be screwed into a standard Edison socket. 11.The light source of claim 1, wherein the wireless communication circuitincludes a radio frequency (RF) receiver configured to receive RFsignals.
 12. The light source of claim 1, further comprising: a memorythat is configured to store the identifier of the external controldevice after association of the light source with the external controldevice.
 13. The light source of claim 1, wherein the processor isfurther configured to, responsive to wireless control signals having theidentifier that are received via the wireless communication circuit,cause the load control circuit to adjust the intensity of the lightingload.
 14. A light source that is configured to be electrically connectedto a power source and controlled by an external control device, thelight source comprising: a housing that includes an end portion that isexposed when the light source is installed in a recessed lightingfixture; a lighting load that is located inside the housing, thelighting load configured to shine light through the end portion of thehousing; an actuator that is manually operable at the end portion of thehousing to associate the light source with the external control device;and a control circuit that is configured to receive a wireless controlsignal transmitted to the light source by the external control device,and to adjust an intensity of the lighting load in accordance with thewireless control signal.
 15. The light source of claim 14, wherein theactuator includes a translucent button located at the end portion of thehousing, the actuator operable by depressing the button.
 16. The lightsource of claim 15, wherein the actuator protrudes through the endportion of the housing.
 17. The light source of claim 15, wherein theactuator is flush with the end portion of the housing.
 18. The lightsource of claim 15, wherein the actuator is recessed in the end portionof the housing.
 19. The light source of claim 14, wherein the controlcircuit is further configured to associate the light source with theexternal control device responsive to manual operation of the actuator.20. The light source of claim 19, further comprising: a memory, whereinthe control circuit is further configured to store an identifier of theexternal control device in the memory upon association of the lightsource with the external control device.
 21. The light source of claim20, wherein the control circuit is further configured to, based on anassociation of the light with the external control device, be responsiveto wireless control signals having the identifier that are received viathe wireless communication circuit.
 22. The light source of claim 14,wherein the end portion of the housing defines an end surface, whereinthe actuator includes a capacitive touch surface that is supported bythe end surface, and wherein the actuator is operable by touching thecapacitive touch surface.
 23. The light source of claim 14, furthercomprising: a base that is coupled to the housing and that is configuredto electrically connect the light source to the power source, whereinthe actuator is operable by biasing the end portion of the housingtoward the base.
 24. The light source of claim 14, further comprising: ascrew-in base that is attached to the housing and that is configured tobe screwed into a standard Edison socket.
 25. The light source of claim14, further comprising: a load control circuit that is configured tocontrol an amount of power delivered to the lighting load to adjust anintensity of the lighting load between a high-end intensity and alow-end intensity.